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PAPEES EELATING TO MEXICO. 



LIST OF PAPEES. 

Mr. Bigelow to Mr. Seward, with accompaniments, May 16, 186C. 

Same to same. May 31, 1866. 

Mr. Hay to Mr. Seward, August 10, 1866. 

Mr. Seward to tlie Marquis de Montliolon, with accompaniments, August IG, 

1866. . • 

Mr. Hay to Mr. Seward, extract, August 17, 1866. 
Mr. Seward to Mr. Bigelow, with an accompaniment, August 24, 1866. 
Same to same, extract, October 8, 1866. 
Mr. Bigelow to Mr.. Seward, extract, October 12, 1866. 
Mr. Seward to Mr. Campbell, October 20, 1866. 
The President to the Secretary of War, October 26, 1866. 
Same to same, October 30, 1866. 
Mr. Bigelow, to Mr. Seward, November 8, 1866. 
Mr. Seward to Mr. Bigelow, November 9, 1866. 
Mr. Seward to Mr. Stanton, November 22, 1866. 
Mr. Seward to Mr. Campbell, November 23, 1866. 
Mr. Seward to Mr. Bigelow, November 23, 1866. 



Mr. Bigeloio to Mr. Seward. 

No. 320.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, May 16, 1866. 
Sir : I translate from La France, of last evening, the following announcement : 
" The embarcation of troops of Austrian volunteers for Mexico lias been coun- 
termanded. Those enlisted have been discharged, and the majority of them 
have been enrolled in the army of the north." 

I suppose I may consider this paragraph, in a semi-official paper, as practi- 
cally answering the inquiry which I addressed to the minister of foreign affairs 
on Thursday last, and as finally disposing of what threatened to become an 
unpleasant complication. 

Apropos of our relations with Mexico, and more especially of the latest phase 
of them, I invite your attention to the annexed extracts from the Memorial 
Diplomatique, semi-official, and from the Debats, mild opposition. 

General Almonte, who was appointed to replace Mr. Hidalgo at this court as 
the representative of Mexico, has arrived. 

I am, sir, w;th great respect, your obedient servant, 

JOHN BIGELOW 

Hon. William H. Seward, r ^ ; ; • ' . ■, ^ 

Secretary of State, Washington, \S^ .'■ ' \'/'.\\ :[\ ','[ '-■ 



PAPEES ACCCMPANYINO THE 






[Enclosure No. 1.] 
[From the Memorial Diplomatique, May 13] 

According to an American letter published in the Times, the minister of the 
United States at Paris recently suggested to the cabinet of the Tuilleries that, 
for the purpose of arresting the military reprises in Mexico, the Juarez govern- 
ment should be informed of the limit within which the French army of- occupa- 
tion ^should be withdrawn. ' Mr. Drouyn de £huys delivered this overture for 
the reason that the French government had no means of communication with 
Juarez. At length Mr. Bigelow offered for this purpose to the cabinet of the 
Tuilleries the good offices of his government, near which is accredited the Juarist 
agent, Mr. Romero. 

It appears, from cur information, that Avhat there may be of truth in this story 
relates to the steps formerly taken by the federal cabinet to induce France to 
demand from the Mexican government the repeal of certain decrees concerning 
the Juarist brigandage. These steps, and the reception which they met with 
from the minister of foreign affairs of France, all this is found at length in the 
Livie Jaune of 1866 ; and we believe that no later incident could have changed 
in this regard the rule of conduct of the imperial government. 



[Enclosure No. 2.] 
[From the Memorial Diplomatique, May 13.] 

According to the information which reaches us from Vienna, the imperial 
government has had no difficulty in convincing Mr. Motley that Austria has no 
intention to send troops to Mexico to replace; that the volunteers in question 
cannot be considered as Austrian soldiers, as it is of their own accord that, after 
having fulfilled their military obligations in their own country, they enlist in 
the service of the Emperor Maximilian to form an integral portion of the Mexican 
army. 

The proof that this incident seems to have been settled in a satisfactory man- 
ner is, that the embarcation of one thousand Austrian volunteers was to take 
place the 10th of May instant, at Trieste, where, since the 7th, the Tampico has 
been lying at anchor — a vessel of the Transatlantic Company, on board of which 
they were to be transported to Vera Cruz.^ 



[Enclosure No. 3.] 
[From the Journal des Debats of May 14, 1866.] 

We yesterday called attention to the despatches of Mr. Seward to the minis- 
ter of the United States at Vienna, in which the American Secretary of State 
protests against the sending of Austrian volunteers to Mexico, in terms whose 
earnestness every one can appreciate. The Constitutionnel thinks it can 
announce this morning that all difficulties are removed in the matter, and that 
the explanations given by the Vienna cabinet have fully satisfied the minister 
of the United States, so that a first detachment of 1,000 volunteers was to em- 
bark on the 10th May at Trieste, for Mexico. To tell the truth, the Constitu- 
tionnel knows nothing of these facts of itself, but gets them from the Memorial 
Diplomatique, in which, for our part, we are far from having absolute confi- 
dence. It may be, after all, that Austria has not thought proper to pay atten- 
tion to the protest from Washington, although she has at this moment affairs 
enough on hand, not to seek for nev.pnes. We shall soon know if it is true 
thai; oce coios oi' vohtnteers set out three days ago for Vera Cruz, on board 

3 OCT 190b 
:' ^ ' • D.ofD* 



MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT- • S 

the Tampico ; but even if this fact were exact, it would not be enough to prove 
that an undei standing in regard to this question of volunteers exists at present 
between Austria and the United States. The very categoric language of Mr. 
Seward permits us to doubt this. We shall wait, therefore, until the texts of 
the arrangements concluded between the two governments is made known to 
us before we believe it, by the OonstituLionnel's leave, which indorses statements 
of which it has no proof except the assertion of the Memorial Diplomatique, 
which are always to be received with caution. 



Mr. Bigelow to Mr. Seward. 

No. 328.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, May 31, 1866. 

Sir : I have your despatch. No. 459, marked " confidential," and had pro- 
posed to discuss its co'ntents to-day with the minister of foreign affairs. His 
excellency, however, had received a summons to the palace, which compelled 
him to terminate his reception of the diplomatic corps abruptly. He remarked, 
with a smile, as I entered, that he knew what I came for — that I had a harsh 
message to him. " Am I not right ?" he asked. I told him that I had been 
instructed, as he was aware, it seemed, to acquaint him with the disquiet which 
certain reports, in regard to the transport of fresh troops, from different quarters 
of the world, to Mexico, had occasioned in the United States, and I expj-essed 
my fear that these reports, unless met promptly by some satisfactory assurances, 
might develop discussion upon another tfaeatre imperfectly informed of the 
actual situation, and of the dispositions of the imperial government, thereby 
aggravating the difficulties with which both governments already had to con- 
tend. I then said, that as he was called elsewhere, I would wait upon him at 
any other more convenient hour that he would name. He proposed that I 
should call again on Saturday at Ij p. va..; meantime he wished me to be 
assured, as he had assured me on several previous occasions, that the troops 
reported to have sailed for Vera Cruz were to replace'* others whose terms of 
service had expired, and in numbers less rather than more than were there 
before. He believed, also, that the orders for their shipment were given before 
the proposed recall of the army was announced. Upon all these points he 
expected to have more precise information from the minister of war to give me 
on Saturday. ' As I was going out, his excellency repeated what he has often 
said, that they were but too anxious to withdraw their troops froxQ Mexico ; 
that they would be withdrawn certainly not later, but probably sooner, than the 
time proposed. ) 

I tiien took my leave without alluding to the other subjects, about which I 
was specially instructed to confer with' him. 

I am, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant, 

JOHN BIGELOW. 

Hon. WlLLlAi\i H. Seward, Secretary of State. 



Mr. Hay to Mr. Seioard. 

No. 357.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, August 10, 1866; 

Sir : There have recently appeared paragraphs in the journals of Paris, an- 
nouncing the contemplated departure from Mexico of the wife of. the Archduke 



4 PAPEES ACCOMPANYING THE 

Maximilian. These naturally created some degree of discussion and comment 
generally unfavorable to the imperial cause in Mexico. To check tlris injurious 
line of remark, the Memorial Diplomatique, the organ of the so-c9.11ed Mexican 
empire, in Paris, in its last issue published the followiug formal announcement : 

" "We are authorized to contradict, in the most formal manner, the rumor that 
the Empress of Mexico is on her way to Europe. 

" The same report was circulated at the time of her Majesty's departure for 
Yucatan, and it is known that the Emperor Maximilian, on a solemn occasion, 
denounced as an infamous calumny the mere supposition that either he or his 
augiist spouse could ever be false to their duty." 

The Pays, a journal in the same interest, published on the following day this 
additional denial of the same rumor : 

"A journal, tormented with the desire of producing sensation news, has men- 
tioned in reference to Mexico a completely absurd rumor, started at Paris, by 
no one knows who, some days ago. 

" There is not one word of truth or reason in the assertion." 

Yesterday, to the confusion of these positive and indignant friends, the lady 
in question arrived in Paris, and alighted at the Grand Hotel. She was imme- 
diately waited upon by Mr. Drouyn deLhuys, who passed in her company the 
greater part of the afternoon. 

To-day the morning papers publish the followiug extract from the official 
journal of Mexico, of the 8th J'Sfy : 

" The empress leaves for Europe, where she is going to treat of the affairs of 
Mexico, and regulate different international matters. This mission, accepted by 
our sovereign with real patriotism, is the greatest proof of abnegation that the 
emperor could offer to his new country. We give this intelligence, that the 
public may know the real object of her Majesty's absence." 

The prmcess is accompanied by Mr. Martin Castillo, minister of foreign 
affairs, the Comte del Valle, her grand chamberlain, the Comte de Boachelles, 
and other officers and attendants. 

The most unfavorable conclusions are deduced from this visit, especially by 
those who are so unfortunate as to hold large amounts of the Mexican loan. It 
is generally regarded as a final effort to obtain by personal influence and solici- 
tation that indispensable aid for the Mexican empire which has been refused to 
its accredited dij)lomatic representative. 

1 am, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant, 

JOHN HAY, 
Charge d' Affaires ad interim. 

Hon. William H. Seward, 

Secretary of State, Washington. 



Mr. Seward to the Marquis de Montholon. 

Department of State, Washington, 

August 16, 1866. 

Sir : I have the honor to call your attention to two orders or decrees which 
purport to have been made on the 26th of July last, by Prince Maximilian, who 
■claims to be emperor in Mexico, in which he declares that he has committed the 
direction of the department of war in that country to General Osmont, chief of 
the staff of the French expeditionary corps ; and that he has committed the 
direction of the department of the treasury to Mr. Friant, intend ant-in-chief of the 
same corps. 

The President thinks it proper that the Emperor of France should be in- 
formed that the assumption of administrative functions at this time by the afore- 



MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT. 5 

Bamed officers of the Frencli expeditionary corps itnder tlie authority of the 
Prince Maximilian, is not unlikely to be injurious to good relations . between 
the United States and France, because it is liable to be regarded by the Con- 
gress and people of the United States as indicating a course of proceeding on 
the part of France incongruous with the engagement which has been made for 
the Avithdrawal of the French expeditionary corps from that country. 

Accept, sir, a renewed assurance of my high consideration. 

WILLIAM H. SEWARD. 

Marquis de Montholon, 8fc., ^c, Sfc. 



[Translation — with note of August 16, to M. Montholon.] 
Maximilian, Emperor of Mexico. 

In consideration of the merits, combined with the qualifications of General 
Osmont, chief of the staff of the expeditionary corps, we have thought proper to 
commit to him the direction of the department of war. 
Given at Mexico the 26th July, 1866. 

MAXIMILIAN. 
By the Emperor : 

Jose Salazar Ylarrequi, 

Minuter of tlie Interior. 



Maximilian, Emperor of Mexico. 

In consideration of the merits, combined with the qualifications of Mr. Frians 
intendant-in-chief of the expeditionary corps, we have thought proper to com- 
mit to him the direction of the department of the treasury. 
Given at Mexico the 26th July, 1866". 

MAXIMILIAN. 
By the Emperor : 

Jose Salazar Ylarrequi, 

Minister of the Interior. 



Mr. Hay to Mr Seward. 

[Extract.] 

No. 358.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, August 17, 1866. 

Sir : According to a suggestion of Mr. Bigelow, who is spending some days 
with his family at Ems, I called yesterday upon the minister of foreign affairs. 
I spoke to his excellency of the reports which were currently published in the 
journals of Paris in reference to the visit of the Princess Charlotte to France — 
these reports stating that the stay of Maximilian in Mexico had become condi- 
tional upon a modification of the course of action adopted by the French govern- 
ment, and announced in his excellency's recent communications to the Marquis 
de Montholon and to Mr. Bigelow ; several journals farther intimating that the 
princess had succeeded in obtaining a change of that programme. I asked the 
minister if there had been any modification, or if there were any intended of the 
policy of the Emperor's government towards Mexico, heretofore declared. 

He replied, " there had been no modification of our policy in that matter, and 
there is to be none. What we announced our intention to do we will do. Of 



6 PAPEES ACCOMPANYING THE 

course," he added, " we received the empress with courtesy and cordiality, but 
the plan heretofore determined upon by the empero^.'s government, will be ex- 
ecuted in the way we announced. ^ ^ 

******* 

I am, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant, 

JOHN HAY, 
Hon. William H. Seward. 



Air. Seward to Mr. Blgelow. 

No. 516. J Department of State, 

Washington, August 24, 18G6. 
Sir : I transmit herewith for your information copies of the President's proc- 
lamation of the 17th instant, declaring null and void a decree of Prince Maxi- 
milian, closing certain ports in Mexico. 

I am, sir, your obedient servant, 

WILLIAM H. SEWARD. 
John Bigelow, Esq., ^c„ 4r., Sfc. 



[August 17, 1866 — Declaring null and void a decree of Prince Maximilian, cloising certain 

ports in Mexico. ] 

BY THE PKESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMEEICA. 
A PROCLAMATION. 

Whereas a war is existing in the republic of Mexico, aggravated by foreign 
military intervention ; and whereas the United States, in accordance with their 
settled habits and policy, are a neutral power in regard to the war which thus 
afflicts the republic of Mexico ; and whereas it has become known that one of 
the belligerents in the said wai-, namely, the Prince Maximilian, who assei'ts 
himself to be emperor in Mexico, has issued a dec5ee''in''^ re^al'd- to thej^^t --of 
Matamoras, and other Mexican ports which are a^'the occupation and possession 
of another of the said belligerents, namely, the Lfnited States of Mexico, which 
decree is in the following words : 

" The port of Matamoras and all those of the northern frontier which have 
withdrawn from their obedience to the government are closed to foreign and 
coasting traffic during such time as the empire of the law shall not be therein 
reinstated. j| ^ /^' 

" Art. 2d. Merchandise proceeding from the said ports, on arriving at any 
other where the excise of the empire is collected, shall pay the duties on impor- 
tation, introduction, and consumption ; and on satisfactory proof of contraven- 
tion shall be irremissibly confiscated. Our minister of the treasury is charged 
with the punctual execution of this decree. 

" Griven at Mexico, the 9th of July, 1866." 

And whereas the decree thus recited, by declaring a belligerent blockade 
unsupported by competent military or naval force, is in violation of the neutral 
rights of the United States, as defined by the law of nations, as well as of the 
treaties existing between the United States of America and the aforesaid 
United States of Mexico : 

Now, therefore, I, Andrew Johnson, President of the United States, do 
hereby proclaim and declare that the aforesaid decree is held, and will be held, 



MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT. 7 

by the United States to be absolutely null and void, as against the government 
and citizens of the United States, and that any attempt which shall be made to 
'enforce the same against the government or the citizens of the United States 
, will be disallowed. 

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the 
United States to be affixed. 

Done at the city of Washington, the seventeenth day of August, in the year 
, 1 of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-six, and of the 

^ ■-' independence of the United States of America the ninety-first. 

ANDREW JOHNSON. 
By the President : 

William H. Seward, Secretary of State. 



• Mr. Seward to Mr. B.igeJow. 

[Extract. ] 

No. 535.] , Department of State, 

Washington, October 8, 1866. 

Sir : * * * * But the point you mention was 

not distinctly presented to me, namely, what this government would think of 
the withdrawal of the whole French army in the coming year, instead of its be- 
ing withdrawn in three semi-annual detachments, commencing next November. 
What I have said is this : that the arrangement proposed* by the emperor for a 
withdrawal of the troops in three detachments, beginning in November next, was, 
in itself, quite likely to be forgotten here, in the political excitement which at- 
tends all Mexican questions, before the execution of the agreement should begin. 
That frequent incidents of various kinds, presented by the press in France and 
in Mexico as indicating a disposition on the part of the emperor to depart from 
that engagement, have unavoidably produced a wide popular mistrust of even 
the emperor's sincerity in making the engagement, and of his good faith in ful- 
filling it. That by circumstances of this character this department was kept 
continually under an apparent necessity of protesting against proceedings which 
were thus weakening public confidence in its very just and well-defined expec- 
tations. That the government, on the contrary, relies with implicit confidence 
upon the fulfilment of the emperor's engagement, at least, to the letter ; and it 
has even expected that, overlooking the letter, it would be fulfilled with an 
earnestness of spirit which would hasten instead of retard the evacuation of the 
French forces in Mexico. 

At present, however, we are waiting for the beginning of the evacuation. 
When that beginning shall have come, the government will cheerfully hear sug- 
gestions from any quarter calculated to reassure the restoration of tranquillity, 
peace, and constitutional domestic government in Mexico ; but until we shall be 
able to refer to such a beginning any proceedings towards negotiation would 
only tend to confound public opinion in the United States, and to render the 
situation of Mexico more complicftted. 

Of course it is unnecessary to inform you that the speculations which are in- 
dulged in by a portion of the public press, concerning relations supposed to be 
established betweea this department and General Santa Anna, are without foun- 
dation. 

I am, sir, jour obedient servant, 

WILLIAM H. SEWARD. 

John Big blow, Esq., &fc., Sfc., 8fc., Paris. 



8 PAPERS ACCOMPANYING THE 

Mr. Bigelow to Mr. Seward. 
[Extract.] 

No. 374.] Legation of the United States, 

Paris, October 12, 1866. 

Sir : The Marquis de Mousticr received the diplomatic body yesterday for 
the first time. He asked if it was true, as reported in the journals, that our 
official relations were soon to terminate ; expressed his regret to learn that 
it was, and his desire to have co-operated with me in cultivating' friendly 
relations between our respective countries. In reply to a question of mine he 
said that the policy of his government towards the United States and Mexico 
would not undergo any change in consequence of the change of his department. 
His excellency then went on to say that he was using what leisure he could 
command to master the various American questions with which he had no pre- 
vious occasion to make himself familiar, and as soon as he was prepared he 
would be happy to talk with me or with my successor more at length J iaean- 
time he wished me to understand and to report to you that he saw the emperor 
at Biarritz, that his majesty expressed his desire and intention to retire from 
Mexico as soon as practicable and withoiit reference to the period fixed in the 
convention with Maximilian, if a shorter time will suffice. His ex'cellency then 
went on to say that the " dissidents," according to late reports, are gaining 
ground, but that it is not the intention of the Emperor to undertake new and 
distant expeditions to reduce them ; that there was some talk of retaking Tam- 
pico, but what was decided upon had not yet transpired in Paris. He said the 
position of France was a delicate one and that there was nothing that the 
emperor desired more'than to disetnbarrass himself of all his engagements with 
Mexico as soon as he could with dignity and honor, and that with our aid, upon 
which he counted, the time might be very much shortened. / 

To this I made only the general reply that I had no reason to doubt that the 
future intercourse of the United States with France would be marked by the 
same friendly consideration which had characterized it heretofore. I did not 
ask what kind of aid from the United States he had in his mind, presuming it 
was forbearance rather than any active co-operation upon which he counted. 

I may as well mention in this connection that I returned yesterday morning 
from Biarritz, where I was informed by Mr. Pereire, the owner of the Franco- 
Mexican line of steamships, that the contract had been finally signed by his 
agent at the ministry of war, for the repatriation of all the French army in 
Mexico in March next, that shall not have returned previously. The letter ad- 
vising him of the fact had been received, as I understood him, only the day 
before. Some of the troops, he said, would be repatriated this fall, but all the 
remainder before the end of March. 

I have reason to think he was instructed to make this communication to me. 
* * ■ * * # * 

I am, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant, 

JOHN BIGELOW. 
Hon. William H. Sbw^ard, 8fc., ^c, 8fc. 



Mr. Seward to Mr. Campljcll. 

No. 3.] Department of State, 

Was/iinglon, October 20, 1S66. 

Sir : You are aware that a friendly and explicit arrangement exists between 
this government and the Emperor of France, to the effect that he will withdraw 
his expeditionary military forces from Mexico in three parts : the first of which 



MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT. 9 

?hall leave Mexico in November next, the second in March next, and the third 
in November, 1867, and that upon the evacuation being thus completed, the 
French government will immediately come upon the ground of non-intervention 
in regard to Mexico, Avhich is held by the United States. 

Doubts have been entertained and expressed in some quarters upon the ques- 
■ tion whether the French government will faithfully execute this agreement. 
No such doubts have been entertained by the President, who has had repeated, 
and even recent, assurances that the complete evacuation of Mexico by the 
French will be consummated at the periods mentioned, or earlier, if compatible 
with climatical, military, and other conditions. 

There are grounds for supposing that two incidental questions have already 
engaged the attention of the French government, nam^y : 

1. Whether it should not advise the departure of the Prince Maximilian for 
Austria to be made before the withdrawal of the French expedition. 

2. Whether it would not be consistent with the climatical, military, and other 
conditions before mentioned to withdraw the whole expeditionary force at once, 
instead of retiring it in three parts, and at different periods. 

No formal communication, however, upon this subject has been made by the 
Emperor of the French to the government of the United States. When the 
subject has been incidentally mentioned, this department, by direction of the 
President, has replied that the United States await the execution of the agree- 
ment for evacuation by the French government, at least according to its letter, 
while they would be gratified if that agreement could be executed with greater 
promptness and despatch than are stipulated. 

Under these circumstances the President expects that within the next month 
(November,) a portion at least of the French expeditionary force will retire 
from Mexico, and he thinks it not improbable that the whole expeditionary force 
may be withdraAvn at or about the same time. 

Such an event cannot fail to produce a crisis of great political interest in the 
republic of Mexico. It is important that you should be either within the terri- 
tories of that republic, or in some place near at hand, so as to assume the exer- 
cise of your functions as minister plenipotentiary of the United States to the 
republic of Mexico. 

Wliat may be, the proceedings of the Prince Maximilian, in the event of a 
partial or complete evacuation of Mexico, of course cannot now be certainly 
foreseen. What may be the proceedings of Mi. Juarez, the president of the re- 
public of Mexico, in the same event, cannot now be definitely anticipated. 

We are aware of the existence of several political parties in Mexico, other 
than those at the head of which are President Juarez and Prince Maximilian, 
who entertain conflicting views concerning the most expedient and proper mode 
of restoring peace, order, and civil government in that republic. We do not 
know what may be the proceedings of those parties in the event of the French 
evacuation. 

Finally, it is impossible for us to foresee what may be the proceedings of the 
Mexican people in case of the happening of the events before alluded to. For 
these reasons it is impossible to give you specific directions #)r the conduct of 
your proceedings in the discharge of the high trust Avhich the government of the 
United States has confided to you. Much must be left to your own discretion, 
which is to be exercised according to the view you may take of political move- 
ments as they shall disclose themselves in the future. There are, however, 
some principles which, as we think, may be safely laid down in regard to the 
policy which the government of the United States will expect you to pursue. 
Tha first of these is, that as a representative of the United States, you are 
accredited to the republican government of jMexico, of which Mr. Juarez, is 
president. Your communications as such representative will be made to him, 
wheresoever he may be, and in no event will you officially recognize either the 



10 PAPERS ACCOMPANYING THE 

Frince Maximilian, who claims to be emperor, or any other person, chief, or 
combination, as exercising the executive authority in Mexico, without having 
first reported to this department, and received instructions from the President 
of the United States. 

Secondly. Assuming that the French military and naval commanders shall be 
engaged in good faith in executing the agreement before mentioned for the evac- 
uation of Mexico, the spirit of the engagement on our part in relation to that 

■ event will forbid the . United States, and their representative, from obstructing 
or embarrassing the departure of the French. 

^ Thirdly. What the government of the United States desire in regard to the 
future of Mexico, is not the conquest of Mexico, or any part of it, or the ag- 
grandizement of the United States by purchases of land or dominion, but, on 
the other hand, they desire to see the people of Mexico relieved from all foreign 
military intervention, to the end that they may resume the conduct of their own 
affairs under the existing republican government, or such other form of govern- 
ment, as, being left in the enjoyment of perfect liberty, they shall determine to 
adopt in the exercise of their own free will, by their own act, without dictation 
fiom any foreign country, and of course without dictation from the United States. 
It results, as a consequence from these principles, that you will enter into no 
stipulation Avith the French commanders, or with the Prince Maximilian, or with 
any other party, which shall have a tendency to counteract or oppose the ad- 
ministration of President Juarez, or to hinder or delay tlie restoration of the 
authority of the republic. On the other hand, it may possibly happen that the 
President of the republic of Mexico may desire the good offices of the United 
States, or even some effective proceedings on our part, to favor and advance the 
pacification of a country so long distracted by foreign, combined with civil war, 
and thus gain time for the re-establishment of national authority upon principles 
consistent with a republican and domestic system of government. It is possible, 
moreover, that some disposition might be made of the land and naval forces of 
the United States, without interfering within thejurisdiction of Mexico, or vio- 

• lating the laws of neutrality, which would be useful in favoring the restoration 
of law, order, arid republican government in that country. 

You are authorized to confer upon this subject with the republican govern- 
ment of Mexico, and its agents, and also to confer informally, if you find it 
necessary, with any other parties or agents — should such an exceptional con- 
ference become absolutely neceesary, but not otherwise. You will by these 
means obtain information which will be important to this government, and such 
i^iformation you will convey to this department, with your suggestions and advice 
as to any proceedings on our part which can be adopted in conformity Avith the 
principles I have before laid down. 

You will be content with thus referring any important propositions on the 
subject of reorganization and restoration of the republican government in Mex- 
ico as may arise to. this department for the inform..itiou of the President.. 

The general of the United States possesses already discretionary authority 
as to the location of the forces of the United States in the vicinity of Mexico. 
His military elperience will enable him to advise you concerning such ques- 
tions as may arise during the transition stuge of Mexico from a state of mili- 
tary siege by a foreign enemy to a condition of practical self-government. At 
the same time it will be in his power, being near the scene of action, to issue 
any orders which may be expedient or necessary for maintaining the obliga- 
tions resting upon the United States in regard to proceedings upon the borders 
of Mexico. For these reasons, he has been requested and instructed by the 
President to proceed with you to your destination, and act with you as an ad- 
viser recognized by this department in regard to the matters which have been 
herein discussed. After conferring Mdth him, you are at liberty to proceed to 
the city of Chihuahua, or to such other place in Mexico as may the residence 



MESSAGE OF THE PEESIDENT. 11 

of President Juarez ; or, in jour discretion, you will proceed to any other place 
in Mexico not held or occupied at tlie time of your arrival by enemies of 
the republic of Mexico ; or you will stop at any place in the United States, or 
elsewhere, near the frontier or coast of Mexico, and await there a time to enter 
any portion of Mexico which shall hereafter be in the occupation of the repub- 
lican government of Mexico. 

I am, sir, your obedient servant, ' 

WILLIAM H. SEWARD. 
Lewis D. Campbell, Sfc, Sfc., Sfc. 



The Presidefit to ike Secretary of War. 

Executive Mansion, 
Washington, D. G., October 26, 186G. 

Sir ; Eecent advices indicate an early evacuation of Mexico by the French 
expeditionary forces, and that the time has arrived when our minister to Mexico 
shoiild place himself in communication with that republic. 

In furtherance of the objects of his mission, and as evidence of the earnest 
desire felt by the United States for the proper adjustment of the questions in- 
volved, I deem it of great importance that General Grant should, by his pres- 
ence and advice, co-operate with our minister. 

I have, therefore, to ask that you will request General Grant to proceed to 
some point on our Mexican frontier, most suitable and convenient for communi- 
cation with our minister ; or (if General Grant deems it best) to accompany him 
to his destination in Mexico, and to give him the aid of his advice in carrying 
out the instructions of the Secretary of State, a copy of which is herewith sent 
for the general's information. 

General Grant will make report to the Secretary of War of such matters as, 
in his discretion, ought to be communicated to the department. 
Very respectfully, yours, 

ANDREW JOHNSON. 

Hon. Edwin M. Stanton, 

Secretary of War. 



The President to the Secretary of War. 

Executive Mansion, 
Washington, D. C, October 30, 1866. 

Sir : General Ulysses S. Grant having found it inconvenient to assume the 
duties specified in .my letter to you of the 26th instant, you will please relieve 
him from the same, and assign them, in all respects, to William T. Sherman, 
lieutenant general of the army of the United States. By way of guiding 
General Sherman in the performance of his duties, you will furnish him with a 
copy of your special orders to General Grant, made in compliance with my let- 
ter of the 26th instant, together with a copy of the instructions of the Secretary 
of State to Lewis D. Campbell, esq., therein mentioned. The lieutenant general 
will proceed to the execution of his duties without delay. 
Very respectfully, yours, 

ANDREW JOHNSON. 
Hon, Edwin M, Stanton, 

Secretary of War. 



12 PAPEES ACCOMPANYING THE 



Mr. Bigelow to Mr. Seward. 

ISTo. 3S4.] ■ Legation of the United States, 

Paris, Novemher 8, 1866. 
Sir : The minister of foreign affairs informed me on Thursday last, in reply 
to a question which certain newspaper rumors prompted me to address him, that 
it was the purpose of the emperor to withdraw all his troops from Mexico in 
the spriug, but none before that time. I expressed my surprise and regret at 
this determination so distinctly in conflict with the pledges given by his excel- 
lency's predecessor, Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys, both to you, through the Marquis 
de Montholon, and also to myself personally. The marquis assigned consider- 
ations of a purely military character, overlooking, or underestimating, as it 
seemed to me, the importance which this change might possibly have upon the 
relations of France with the United States. My first impulse was to send him 
a note on the following day, asking for a formal statement of the emperor's 
motives of disregarding the stipulations of his foreign minister for a withdrawal 
of one detachment of his Mexican army during the current month of Novem- 
ber. I concluded, however, that it would be more satisfactory to the President 
that I should see the emperor himself upon the subject. I accordingly waited, 
upon his Majesty yesterday, at St. Cloud, repeated to him what the Marquis de 
Moustier had told me, and desired to know what, if anything, could be done by 
me to anticipate and prevent the discontent which I felt persuaded would be 
experienced by my country people, if they receive this intelligence without any 
explanation. I I referred to the early meeting of Congress, when any change in 
our relations either Avith France or Mexico, would be likely to come under dis- 
cussion, and my fear that his Majesty's reasons for postponing the repatriation 
of the first detachment of his troops might be attributed to motives which our 
people would be disposed to resent. 

The emperor said that it was true that he had concluded to postpone the 
recall of any of his troops until spring ; but that in doing so, he had been influ- 
enced by entirely military considerations. At the time he gave the order, the 
successors of the dissidents, si^pported as they were by large re-enforcements 
from the United States, seemed to render any reduction of liis force there peril- 
ous to those who remaining behind. 

He accordingly sent a telegraph to Marshal Bazaine, who had already embarked 
a regiment, (eighty-first, I think he said,) but which had fortunately been pre- 
vented from sailing by unfavorable winds, directing him to embark no troops 
until all were ready to come. This despatch, his Majesty said, was not sent in 
cypher, that no secret might be made of its tenor in the United States. The 
troops were then disembarked, and returned to Orizaba. His Majesty went on 
to say that he sent General Castelnau to Mexico about the same time, charged 
to inform Maximilian that France could not give him another cent of money nor 
another man; if he thought he could sustain himself there alone, France would 
not withdraw her troops faster than had been stipulaced for by Mr. Drouyn de 
Lhuys, should such be his desire ; but if, on the other hand, he was disposed to 
abdicate, which was the coirrse his Majesty counseled him to take, General 
Castelnau was charged to find some 'government with which to treat for the 
protection of French interests, and to bring all the army home in the spring. 

I asked his Majesty if the President of the United States had been notified 
of this, or if anything had been done to prepare his mind for the change in his 
Majesty's policy. He said that he did not know; that M. de Moustier ought to 
have done so ; that, as these events occurred during the interim of a change in 
the ministry of foreign affairs, it was possible that it had been neglected, though 
his telegram to Marshal Bazaine was purposely sent in a way to show that there 
was nothing in his plans to disguise^ 



MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT. 13 

I remarked that my governirient was constautly under the necessity of pro- 
testing against acts done in the name of his Majesty, and the effect of such pro- 
tests was always to weaken public confidence in the representations which the 
government had felt itself authorized to make in regard to his Majesty's inten- 
tions. I then explained to him again briefly the grave inconveniences liable to 
result from any unexplained departure from the stipulations already given in 
his Majesty's name to the world. His Majesty replied that we had the tele- 
graph now, and that any misunderstanding of that sort might be readily 
rectified. 

His Majesty appeared to realize the importance of having an understanding 
with the President upon the subject, and I left with the impression that he in- 
tended to occupy himself with the matter at once. 

There is but one sentiment here about the determination of France to wash 
her hands of Mexico as soon as possible. Nor have I any doubt that the em- 
peror is acting in entire good faith towards us ; but I did not feel sure that the 
change in his plans upon which I have been commenting, would receive so 
favorable an interpretation in the United States. In view of recent successes 
gained by the imperialists in Mexico, and in view of the somewhat turbulent 
state of our politics at home, I feared that the course of the emperor might 
possibly awaken suspicions in the United States, which might seriously preju- 
dice the relations of the two countries. To prevent such a calamity, if possible, 
I thought it my duty to take the precautious of which I have here rendered you 
an account. 

The fact which the emperor admitted in this conversation, that he had ad- 
vised Maximilian to abdicate, has prepared me to expect every day the an- 
nouncement of his abdication, for such advice, in Maximilian's dependent condi- 
tion, is almost equivalent to an order. That it Avould be so regarded is, I think, 
the expectation of the emperor, and ample preparations for the early repatria- 
tion of all the troops have, I believe, already been made by the ministers of war 
and marine. The emperor stated that he expected to know the final result of 
Castlenau's mission towards the end of this month. 

A telegram has appeared in the London Star and Post, quoting a report cir- 
culating in New York on the 6th, that Maximilian had abdicated. As des- 
patches received the 7th made no reference to this report, I presume it was, at 
least, premature. 

I am, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant, 

JOHN BIGELOW. 

Hon. William H. Seward, 

Secretapy of State. 



Mr. Seward to Mr. Bigeloio. 

No. 545.] • Department of State, 

Washington, November 9, 1866. 

Sir : I have been unable until this moment to acknowledge the receipt of 
your despatch of October 12, No. 374. 

The President is pleased with the liberal and friendly disposition which is 
manifested by the Marquis de Moustier in regard to our international questions. 

Mr. Campbell proceeds to-morrow, with Lieutenant General Sherman, to Mex- 
ico, or its vicinity, I give you a copy of the instructions of this department to 
our new out-going minister to Mexico. It is not intended that they shall be 
formally or officially communicated to the French government ; but, at the same 
time, we affect no secrecy on the occasion. You may, therefore, make such use 
of them as you find necessary or expedient in making known the policy of this 



14 PAPERS ACCOMPANYING THE 

governmeat as affected by the anticipated retirement of tlie Frencli military- 
forces from that country. 

I thank you for the information you have given me conceruiug domestic ques- 
tions of interest in the French empire. 
I am, sir, your obedient servant, 



WILLIAM H. SEWARD, 



JoHx BiGELOW, Esq., S^v., Sfc, Sj-c , Paris. 



Mr. Seward to Mr. Stanton. 

Department of State, 
WasMngton, No vemher 22, 1866. 
Sir : I herewith submit a correspondence, which, under the direction of the 
President, has taken place between this department and the government of 
France, and also a copy of instructions relative to the matters discussed, which 
have been given to Mr. Campbell, minister plenipotentiary of the United States 
at Mexico. It is submitted for your consideration, whether in this new emer- 
gency any special instructibns are necessary for the government of the army of 
observation of the United States to prevent premature disturbance of the peace 
while maintaining the safety of the United States. 
I have the honor, &c., 

WILLIAM H. SEWARD. 
Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War. 



Mr. Seward to Mr. Campbell. 

Department of State, 
No. 4.j Washington, November 23, 1866. 

Sir : I give jou a copy of a despatch which has just been received from Mr. 
Bigelow, from which you will learn, as we have learned with surprise, that the 
French government has postponed its stipulated withdrawal of a detachment 
from Mexico in November, with a purpose, as is avowed, of withdrawing the 
whole of the forces at some time next spring. I give you also a copy of my 
reply thereto, announcing that this resolution of the French government is 
unsatisfactory to the President. 

The same papers will inform you that the Presiderft does not think it neces- 
sary or advisable to modify your instructions. 

We are not without confidence in anticipating a satisfactory resolution upon 
the subject from France. 
I am, &c., &c., 

WILLIAM H. SEWARD. 

Mr, Campuell. 



Mr. Seioard to Mr. Bigelow. 

No. 550.] ■ Department of State, 

Washington, November 23, 1866. 

Sir : Your despatch of the 8th of November, No. 384, in regard to Mexico, 
is received. 

Your proceedings ia your interview with M. Moustier, and also your 'proceed- 



MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT. 15 

ings m your interview with the emperor, are entirely approved, h'ay to M, 
Moustier tLat this government is surprised and affected with deep concern by 
the announcement now made for the first time, that the promised recall of one 
detachment of the French troops from Mexico in November current has been 
postponed by tlie emperor. The embarrassment thus produced is immeasurably 
increased by the circumstance that this proceeding of the emperor has been 
taken without conference with, and even without notice to, the United States. 
This government has not in any way afforded re-en[brcements to the Mexicans, 
as the emperor seems to assume, and it has known nothing at all of his coun- 
termanding instructions to Marshal Bazaine, of whicli the emperor speaks. We 
consult only official communications to ascertain the purposes and resolutions of 
France, as we make our own purposes and resolutions known only in the same 
manner when she is concerned. 

I am not prepared to say, and it is now unnecessary to discuss whether the 
President could or could not have agreed to the emperor's proposed delay if he had 
been seasonably consulted, and if the proposition had been then put as the pro- 
ceeding is now, upon the ground, of military considerations alone, and if it had 
been marked with the customary manifestation of regard to the interests and feel- 
ings of the United States. But the emperor's decision to modify the existing 
arrangement without any understanding with the United States, so as to leave 
the whole French army iu Mexico for the present instead of withdrawing one 
detachment iu November current, as promised, is now found in every way in- 
convenient and exceptionable. We cannot acquiesce — 

First. Because the term " next spring," as appointed for the entire evacua- 
tion, is indefinite and vague. 

Second. Because we have no authority for stating to Congress and to the 
American people that we have now a better guarantee for the withdrawal of the 
whole expeditionary force in the spring than we have heretofore had for the 
withdrawal of a part in November, 

Third. In full reliance upon at least a literal performance of the emperor's 
existing agreement, we have taken measiires, while facilitating the anticipated 
French evacuation, to co-operate with the republican government of Mexico 
for promoting the pacification of that country and for the early and complete 
restoration of the proper constitutional authority of that government. As a part 
of those measures, Mr. Campbell, our newly appointed minister, attended by 
Lieutenant General Sherman, has been sent to Mexico in order to confer with 
President Juarez on subjects which are deeply interesting to the United States 
and of vital importance to Mexico. 

Our policy and measures thus adopted in fall reliance upon the anticipated 
beginning of the evacuation of Mexico were promptly made known to the 
French legation here, and doubtless you have already executed your instructions 
by making them known to the emperor's government in Paris, 

The emperor will perceive that we cannot now recall Mr. Campbell, nor can 
we modify the instructions under which he is expected to treat, andunderwhich 
he may even now be treating with the republican government of Mexico. 

That government will, of course, most earnestly desire and confidently ex- 
pect an early and entire discontinuation of foreign hostile occupation. You 
will, therefore, state to the emperor's government that the President sincerely 
hopes and expects that the evacuation of Mexico will be carried into effect with 
such conformity to the existing agreement as the inopportune complication 
which calls for this despatch shall allow, Mr. Campbell will be advised of that 
complication. Instructions will be issued to the United States military forces 
of observation to await in every case special directions from the President. 
This will be done with a confident expectation that the Telegraph or the mail may 
seasonably bring us a satisfactory resolution from the emperor in reply to this 
note. You will assure the French government that the United States, while 




16 PAPEES ACCOMPANING THE MESSAGE OF THE P] 

015 991 054 

they seek tlie relief of Mexico, desire nothing more earnestly lunu lo preserve 
peace and friendship with France. Nor does the President allow himself to 
doubt that what has been determined in France, most inauspiciously as we 
think,, has been decided upon inadvertently, without full reflection upon the 
embarrassment it must produce here, and without any design to retain the 
French expeditionary forces in Mexico beyond the full period of eighteen 
months, originally stipulated for the complete evacuation. 
I am, sir, your obedient servant, 

WILLIAM H. SEWARD 
John Bigei,ow, Esq^., S^-c, 8^v., dx., Paris. ^^ 



